Fortnite has emerged as a hub for numerous iconic brands from pop culture. From Marvel superheroes to Ryu from Street Fighter and characters from The Witcher, Fortnite offers something for everyone. Recently, the game introduced Snake and Raiden from the Metal Gear Solid franchise, along with notable accessories from the series, such as Raiden's sword. This addition of MGS characters could potentially set the stage for several new trends in Fortnite.
Metal Gear Solid debuted in 1998 as a follow-up to the Metal Gear games. The original MGS title achieved iconic status and significantly raised awareness for its creator, Hideo Kojima. The influence of Metal Gear on the gaming industry is profound, and Hideo Kojima has consistently stood out as one of gaming's most prominent auteurs, with titles like Death Stranding and the recently announced horror game, OD. Although Metal Gear is closely associated with Kojima, he departed from Konami after the fifth installment, and the franchise has largely remained dormant until the recent release of a collection of remasters and the announcement of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, a remake of the third MGS game.
Expanding Metal Gear Representation in Fortnite
As the face of Metal Gear, it's fitting for Snake to be among the first MGS characters featured in the game. In addition to his recognizable portrayal as Solid Snake, there is an Old Snake outfit option inspired by his appearance in Metal Gear Solid 4. In addition to Snake, Fortnite introduced Raiden, the protagonist of MGS 2, which remains one of the standout Metal Gear games. Raiden has multiple appearances, one with and one without his mask. Unlike Snake, who is unlocked through challenges, Raiden can be purchased individually or as part of a bundle with some of his notable accessories in the in-game store. These two characters should be just the beginning of MGS representation in Fortnite.
The Enduring Legacy of Metal Gear
Metal Gear has a rich history spanning decades, offering numerous iconic characters to draw from. Aside from Snake and Raiden, other significant characters such as The Boss, Big Boss, Revolver Ocelot, and Meryl would be ideal candidates for inclusion in the game. The Boss, in particular, would be a logical addition, especially with the remake of MGS 3 in the works. Big Boss and Revolver Ocelot are as iconic in Metal Gear as Snake and Raiden, with Big Boss serving as the protagonist in certain installments. Given the beloved status of MGS and its upcoming releases, Fortnite should incorporate some of its other well-known characters.
Renewed Collaboration Between Fortnite and Konami
Beyond Metal Gear Solid, Konami holds the rights to several beloved franchises that would be excellent additions to Fortnite. The Castlevania anime has maintained the franchise's relevance in the hearts and minds of fans, and the announcement of Silent Hill f and a remake of the second entry in the series in 2022 has reignited interest. With the return of Silent Hill and the enduring appeal of Castlevania, the inclusion of characters from these franchises in Fortnite would undoubtedly be a resounding success. Integrating these long-standing franchises into a game like Fortnite would also serve to introduce them to a new generation of gamers who may have missed their peak popularity.
It is hoped that the introduction of Snake and Raiden in Fortnite will mark the beginning of a long-standing collaboration between Konami and Epic Games. Metal Gear Solid boasts numerous iconic characters deserving of representation in the game, and other beloved Konami franchises would be ideal additions for Fortnite to explore. While fans await further updates on the potential inclusion of additional Konami series, they can currently work to unlock Solid Snake in Fortnite by completing the required challenges.